UF department head resigns over misconduct allegations

A University of Florida department head has resigned in the middle of a misconduct investigation into alleged sexual relations with students, a university spokeswoman confirmed Thursday.

Michael T. Garrett was a professor of counselor education and director of the School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in the College of Education.

Garrett, 39, was accused of having romantic relationships with and sending explicit text messages to students enrolled in his classes, according to a story first reported Thursday by the Web site Inside Higher Ed and later confirmed by documents released by the university.

UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said the university learned of misconduct allegations against Garrett in early September. He was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 10 and resigned on Oct. 2, according to the documents, which included a memorandum detailing the incomplete investigation and several graphic photos depicting a man in various stages of undress.

"As soon as the university was made aware of those allegations, Michael Garrett was placed on administrative leave, and an internal investigation was started," Sikes said. "During the course of the investigation, he resigned, and as a result the investigation could not be completed."

The College of Education met with students Monday to discuss the situation. Garrett could not be reached for comment.

University policy advises against even consensual relationships between students and professors.

"We strongly condemn and in fact prohibit faculty from having relationships with students they supervise," Sikes said.

The Gainesville Sun is part of the New York Times Regional Media Group.